Community Action Center of Northfield (CAC)

CAC Seeks to Hire New Executive Director

March 20, 2018

The Community Action Center (CAC) of Northfield, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing programs that meet the basic needs of individuals and families, is announcing the retirement of Executive Director Jim Blaha.

Blaha has served the CAC for the past 17 years. The organization, which celebrates 50 years of service this year, is well-prepared for the transition. An executive director job description is available at communityactioncenter.org/employment. Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé with the subject line “CAC Executive Director” to search@communityactioncenter.org.

The CAC’s succession planning committee, which is made up of CAC board members and dedicated community members, has been meeting regularly over the past year to ensure a smooth transition. The CAC is looking for an effective leader who believes in and shares the organization’s mission of promoting a healthy, caring and just community for all people. Additionally, a qualified leader will embody deep compassion, be dedicated to long-term strategic vision for the organization and have fiscal management and fundraising experience. Applications will be accepted via email, and an initial review of all submissions is set for April. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Meeting Community Needs

Blaha states, “The last 17 years as executive director have been life-changing. I have seen the direct impact that neighbors helping neighbors has made in and around Northfield. The need in our community is very real, and I am confident that the organization and community will continue to thrive and meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.” Blaha anticipates retiring in fall 2018 and expects to work alongside the incoming executive director for a short period of time to assist with the onboarding process.

“We are so appreciative of Jim and his many years of wonderful dedication and leadership. His presence in the community is valued by so many,” says Kim Decker, succession planning committee chair. “We will miss Jim greatly, but we are confident that we will find a new leader who will contribute to the success and continued service of the CAC.”

Advancing Strategic Initiatives

While Blaha’s tenure at the helm of the CAC will sunset this year, his enthusiasm for advancing the organization’s strategic initiatives remains steadfast: this year, the CAC anticipates making capital improvements to its Food Shelf, solidifying resources to assist with Northfield’s growing emergency housing needs and hosting a 50th anniversary fundraising event in August to support its mission.

Reflecting on his nearly two decades of leading the CAC, Blaha says, “The combination of true compassion for clients and effective programming makes the CAC an incredible organization. I will always hold close to my heart the relationships that I formed with clients and my CAC family. We’re fortunate to have a community that has consistently responded to the needs of its neighbors.”

The CAC’s personalized services meet the most basic needs of approximately eight percent of people living in the Northfield area. Throughout the executive director transition, services will continue as planned.